Weeklikse Afrikaanse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Die Afrikaanse/Engelse Nuus is die afgelope paar dae op AGRI NEWS NET geplaas, saam met nog ander artikels.
In South Africa’s Western Cape, farm success is now measured by output, exports and economic impact rather than just land size. The region has only about 17% of the country’s commercial farms but leads in high-value agricultural exports like apples, pears, wine and dairy, thanks to intensive irrigation, premium positioning and proximity to global markets.
Agriculture has always been about producing food, raising livestock, and managing land efficiently. For generations, growth was measured by expanding acreage, increasing herd sizes, purchasing more equipment, and producing greater volumes. While these factors remain important, the modern agricultural landscape is changing rapidly.
AfriForum and several farming groups have welcomed the removal of John Steenhuisen as Agriculture Minister during the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis. Steenhuisen, former DA leader, was moved from the portfolio on 17 June 2026 and replaced by Willie Aucamp, who is tasked with resolving FMD-related legal proceedings, working with the sector and restoring confidence.
Despite positive economic indicators in South African agriculture, the overall mood among farmers and agribusinesses remains pessimistic. The sector recorded strong export growth, a record summer grain and oilseed harvest, robust poultry performance supported by lower feed costs, solid fruit and vegetable volumes, higher GDP contribution, and increased farm employment.
Die Hooggeregshof van Appèl het die Stad Tshwane se poging om privaat grond te onteien afgestop en dit ’n groot terugslag vir die metro besorg. Die saak het begin toe honderde onwettige inwoners op grond van Summer Season Trading 63 (Pty) Ltd gaan woon het.
In 2025, Transnet made notable progress in improving port efficiency across South Africa through collaboration with private-sector partners and agricultural organisations.
Die Wes-Kaapse premier, Alan Winde, sê konstruksiewerk aan die Meiringspoortpad in die Klein Karoo sal minstens twee jaar duur. Die herstelkoste word tans op ongeveer 420-miljoen rand geraam. Die pad het groot skade gely as gevolg van oorstromings tydens die onlangse storms, en is steeds gesluit.
In 2025, Transnet made notable progress in improving port efficiency across South Africa through collaboration with private-sector partners and agricultural organisations.
Namibië se beesvleisbedryf word toenemend gevorm deur strategiese keuses wat uitvoerabattoirs maak oor wáár en hoé hulle hul produkte bemark, keuses wat moontlik in die toekoms tot voordeel van plaaslike produsente kan strek. So 'n voorbeeld is Meatco se onlangse goedkeuring om direk aan Woolworths, verbruiker-gereed produkte te verkoop,
The US Department of Agriculture’s June 2026 Crop Production report forecasts total 2026 winter wheat production at 1.030 billion bushels, a sharp 27% decline from 1.402 billion bushels in 2025. Hard red winter (HRW) wheat, the dominant class, is projected at 496.886 million bushels — down 38% from last year and the lowest output since the late 1950s.
South Africa’s agricultural sector has remained largely resilient despite various challenges. According to Trade Map data, agricultural exports grew by 11% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$3.7 billion, supported by stronger production volumes and favourable export prices.
Die aantal Suid-Afrikaners wat as seisoenale plaaswerkers in die VSA werk, het die afgelope dekade met meer as 800% toegeneem. In 2024 is byna 15 000 H-2A-visumaansoeke vir Suid-Afrikaners goedgekeur, wat hulle die tweede grootste groep ná Mexiko (285 000) maak
Two months after promising his predecessor John Steenhuisen that he would retain his position as Minister of Agriculture, newly elected DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove him from the Cabinet.
The 32nd Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA) Expo and Conference highlighted how South Africa’s red meat industry continues to adapt and remain resilient despite the ongoing challenges posed by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
The US Department of Agriculture’s June 2026 Crop Production report forecasts total 2026 winter wheat production at 1.030 billion bushels, a sharp 27% decline from 1.402 billion bushels in 2025. Hard red winter (HRW) wheat, the dominant class, is projected at 496.886 million bushels — down 38% from last year and the lowest output since the late 1950s.
A South African court has sentenced two men in what police described as the world's largest rhino horn trafficking case, bringing a partial conclusion to a legal saga spanning nearly two decades. Dawie Groenewald, described as the mastermind of the operation, received a fine of 2 million rand equivalent to approximately £92,000 or four years in prison following a plea deal with the state. .
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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 17th June 2026
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
The global agricultural sector is being shaped by a combination of disease outbreaks, climate challenges, food security concerns, technological innovation, shifting trade patterns, and evolving consumer demands. Here are 50 of the most important international agricultural headlines currently influencing the industry.
Global Food Security & Markets
- UN agencies warn that acute hunger is expected to worsen across 13 global hotspots during the second half of 2026.
- More than 266 million people worldwide remain at high levels of food insecurity.
- Global grain inventories remain near multi-year highs despite emerging climate threats.
- El Niño is forecast to strengthen significantly during the 2026/27 season.
- Global wheat stocks have reached their highest levels in five years.
- Rice inventories remain exceptionally strong, particularly in Asia.
- Governments are focusing on food security strategies to prevent supply disruptions linked to climate events.
- Food aid funding shortages continue to raise concerns about humanitarian food access.
- Global food trade remains vulnerable to geopolitical instability and shipping disruptions.
- Agricultural commodity markets remain highly sensitive to weather developments and trade policy changes.
Climate Change & Weather
- Extreme heat is increasingly viewed as one of the greatest threats to global food production.
- The FAO and WMO warn that heatwaves are damaging crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry systems.
- Yield losses in major crops are expected to increase as global temperatures rise.
- Europe is experiencing earlier harvests due to persistent drought conditions.
- Slovak farmers have begun their earliest barley and pea harvests on record.
- Drought-resistant crop varieties are becoming increasingly important across Europe.
- Water management technologies are receiving greater investment globally.
- Irrigation efficiency has become a top priority in many farming regions.
- Climate resilience programs continue to expand across major agricultural economies.
- Early-warning systems are becoming central to agricultural risk management.
Livestock & Animal Health
- The re-emergence of New World screwworm has become a major concern for the North American livestock industry.
- Texas has reported its first screwworm outbreak in decades.
- Cattle producers are strengthening surveillance and biosecurity measures.
- Sterile insect technology is once again being deployed to contain livestock pests.
- Global concerns over transboundary animal diseases remain elevated.
- Biosecurity is becoming one of the fastest-growing investment areas in livestock farming.
- Disease traceability systems are expanding worldwide.
- Animal welfare standards continue to influence export market access.
- Livestock producers are adopting more digital monitoring systems.
- Veterinary technology remains one of the fastest-growing agritech segments.
Agritech & Innovation
- Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for crop management and decision support.
- Digital agriculture platforms are expanding rapidly across developed and emerging markets.
- Precision farming technologies continue to attract major investment.
- Drone technology adoption is accelerating in crop monitoring and spraying.
- Smart irrigation systems are helping farmers improve water-use efficiency.
- Agricultural robotics are addressing labour shortages in several countries.
- Remote sensing and satellite imagery are becoming standard management tools.
- Data-driven farming models are improving productivity and profitability.
- Agritech companies are focusing heavily on climate adaptation technologies.
- Debate continues over data ownership and control within digital farming systems.
Biotechnology & Sustainability
- The European Parliament has approved major changes to regulations governing gene-edited crops.
- New Genomic Techniques are expected to accelerate crop innovation in Europe.
- Debate continues over patents and ownership rights associated with gene-edited seeds.
- Agricultural sustainability remains a top global policy priority.
- Reducing agriculture's environmental footprint is receiving increased attention worldwide.
- Carbon farming programs continue to expand across multiple continents.
- Soil health initiatives are becoming mainstream in many farming systems.
- Regenerative agriculture continues to gain support from consumers and policymakers.
- Governments are investing in technologies that improve both productivity and environmental outcomes.
- The future of farming is increasingly focused on producing more food while using fewer resources and improving resilience to climate, disease, and market shocks.
Global Agricultural Theme of the Week
The dominant international agricultural story this week is the growing intersection of food security, climate resilience, biosecurity, and digital agriculture. While global grain supplies remain relatively strong, the industry is preparing for the potential impacts of a strengthening El Niño, emerging livestock disease threats, increasing climate volatility, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and precision farming technologies. These factors are expected to shape agricultural markets and farming decisions throughout the remainder of 2026.
15 Best South Africa News Podcasts
The agricultural news cycle leading into the final week of June 2026 has been dominated by biosecurity concerns, rising production costs, trade logistics, and profitability pressures across several farming sectors. Based on readership trends and headline coverage from Agri News Net, Farming Portal, and related agricultural news sources, the following stories are attracting the most attention.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Continues to Spread in the Free State
Foot-and-mouth disease remains the biggest livestock story in South Africa. Confirmed cases have continued to rise, with new outbreaks reported across several districts. The ongoing spread is creating major concerns for cattle producers, livestock movements, exports, and the broader red meat industry. Industry stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination, biosecurity, and movement controls.
Fertiliser Prices Remain Under Pressure
Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased somewhat, fertiliser prices remain substantially higher than a year ago. Farmers are closely monitoring global shipping routes, energy costs, and supply chain recovery as they prepare for the upcoming planting season. Industry analysts believe full market normalization may only occur during 2027.
South African Agricultural Exports Recover Slowly
Exporters of citrus, grapes, nuts, beef, and other agricultural products continue to monitor international logistics and trade routes. While export channels are improving, shipping disruptions and increased freight costs remain concerns for agricultural businesses dependent on global markets.
Record Maize Harvest Supports Food Price Stability
South Africa's strong maize harvest is helping contain food inflation and strengthen domestic grain supplies. While consumers benefit from lower food-price pressure, many grain producers continue to face profitability challenges due to rising input costs and weaker commodity prices.
Wheat Producers Push Back Against Tariff Decisions
The wheat industry remains under pressure as producers argue that delayed policy decisions and global market challenges are threatening the long-term sustainability of local wheat production. Industry leaders continue to call for urgent interventions to support domestic producers.
Farm Machinery Sales Slow Down
Recent reports indicate that machinery sales have started easing as farmers delay major capital investments. Rising production costs, uncertainty around commodity prices, and cautious financial planning are contributing to slower equipment purchases across the sector.
Red Meat Industry Faces Billions in Export Losses
Export restrictions linked to animal disease outbreaks continue to have a significant financial impact on the red meat industry. Industry participants are calling for stronger disease management systems, improved traceability, and enhanced biosecurity measures to protect market access.
Fertiliser Prices in South Africa – Last Week of June 2026
South African farmers are facing a mixed fertiliser market as June 2026 comes to an end. Fertiliser prices remain significantly influenced by international supply conditions, exchange rate movements, and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global trade routes. Recent reports indicate that nitrogen-based fertilisers, particularly urea, have experienced substantial price volatility during the first half of 2026.
According to the latest available agricultural input monitoring data, local fertiliser prices rose sharply during the early months of 2026. Urea (46%) recorded one of the largest increases, while LAN (28%) and other major fertiliser products also moved higher as import costs increased.
By late June 2026, indicative market levels suggest:
| Fertiliser | Estimated Price Range (R/ton) |
|---|---|
| Urea (46%) | R12,000 – R13,500 |
| LAN (28%) | R9,000 – R10,000 |
| MAP (Mono-Ammonium Phosphate) | R18,000 – R21,000 |
| Potassium Chloride (KCL/MOP) | R10,000 – R11,000 |
These figures vary by supplier, region, transport costs, order volume, and delivery arrangements. Prices in inland production areas are often higher than coastal regions due to logistics costs.
The international fertiliser market remains under pressure. Phosphate fertilisers such as MAP continue to be supported by restricted global supplies and export limitations from major producing countries. Potash markets remain relatively firm, while nitrogen fertilisers remain sensitive to natural gas prices and global shipping disruptions. Recent tensions affecting shipping routes through the Middle East have also raised concerns about future fertiliser supply costs.
For South African grain producers preparing for the 2026/27 summer planting season, fertiliser remains one of the largest input costs. While a relatively stable rand has provided some relief, global market uncertainty means farmers should continue monitoring prices closely and consider procurement strategies well ahead of planting periods.
The overall outlook for the last week of June 2026 is that fertiliser prices remain elevated compared with historical averages, although the extreme price spikes seen during previous global supply crises have eased. Market analysts expect continued volatility during the second half of 2026 as global demand, energy costs, geopolitical developments, and currency movements continue to influence fertiliser markets worldwide.
South Africa Weather Forecast & Agricultural Outlook
- Isolated to scattered showers and drizzle, mainly over the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and interior of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Cold fronts bringing cloudy skies, gusty winds, and patchy rain, especially in the southwest.
- Temperatures: Highs typically 13–20°C in coastal and inland areas (e.g., Cape Town averages ~17°C high / 10°C low; Johannesburg ~15–18°C highs with cooler nights). Frost is possible in interior regions on clear nights.
- The Western Cape (key winter rainfall area) has seen mixed patterns, with some forecasts indicating drier-than-normal conditions later in the winter season.
- Eastern and southeastern coastal areas are more likely to receive above-normal rainfall.
- Overall, winter brings the rainy season to the Cape while the summer rainfall regions (much of the interior) remain mostly dry.
- Below-normal rainfall is expected in the southwestern and southern coastal areas (Western Cape), which could limit yields if dry conditions persist.
- Farmers have already signaled intentions to reduce plantings due to weather uncertainty, higher input costs, and lower commodity prices.
- Eastern coastal areas may see better moisture but risk waterlogging in excessive rain.
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
White maize |
R 3 093,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-22 |
-0.03 % |
R 3 094,00 |
||
|
Yellow maize |
R 3 156,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-22 |
0.35 % |
R 3 145,00 |
||
|
Soybeans |
R 6 850,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-22 |
0.63 % |
R 6 807,00 |
||
|
Sunflower seed |
R 8 960,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-22 |
0.79 % |
R 8 890,00 |
||
|
Wheat |
R 5 802,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-22 |
-0.67 % |
R 5 841,00 |
||
|
Sorghum (IPP) |
R 3 005,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
-32.92 % |
R 4 480,00 |
||
|
Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein)) |
R 19 036,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
-1.76 % |
R 19 377,65 |
||
|
Cotton (IPP) |
R 10 390,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
-4.42 % |
R 10 870,00 |
||
|
Soy Meal (US derived price) |
R 11 363,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
0.77 % |
R 11 276,00 |
||
|
Chop |
R 2 150,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
0.00 % |
R 2 150,00 |
||
|
Lusern (Grade 1) |
R 3 900,00 |
per Ton |
2026-06-19 |
0.00 % |
R 3 900,00 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
Bananas |
R 7,55 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-6.09 % |
R 8,04 |
||
|
Apples |
R 9,36 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
1.30 % |
R 9,24 |
||
|
Oranges |
R 2,32 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-11.45 % |
R 2,62 |
||
|
Avocados |
R 16,51 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
2.42 % |
R 16,12 |
||
|
Grapes |
R 66,38 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-3.92 % |
R 69,09 |
||
|
Mangos |
R 43,30 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
17.50 % |
R 36,85 |
||
|
Pears |
R 9,59 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-0.42 % |
R 9,63 |
||
|
Pineapples |
R 9,51 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-7.58 % |
R 10,29 |
||
|
Peaches |
R 40,08 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
51.65 % |
R 26,43 |
||
|
Lemons |
R 4,65 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-3.73 % |
R 4,83 |
||
|
Nectarines |
R 51,91 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
88.08 % |
R 27,60 |
||
|
Naartjies (Mandarins) |
R 6,43 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
3.54 % |
R 6,21 |
||
|
Blueberries |
R 138,10 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
16.57 % |
R 118,47 |
||
|
Grapefruits |
R 4,66 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
8.62 % |
R 4,29 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Potatoes |
R 45,49 |
per 10Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-1.15 % |
R 46,02 |
||||
|
Tomatoes |
R 16,24 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-11.11 % |
R 18,27 |
||||
|
Carrots |
R 6,55 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-14.94 % |
R 7,70 |
||||
|
Onions |
R 81,07 |
per 10Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-8.37 % |
R 88,48 |
||||
|
Cabbage |
R 3,25 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-12.63 % |
R 3,72 |
||||
|
Garlic |
R 46,35 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-4.04 % |
R 48,30 |
||||
|
Spinach |
R 3,75 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-13.39 % |
R 4,33 |
||||
|
Sweet Potatoes |
R 3,56 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-2.47 % |
R 3,65 |
||||
|
Peppers |
R 13,50 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-28.00 % |
R 18,75 |
||||
|
Chillies |
R 7,43 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-15.95 % |
R 8,84 |
||||
|
Pumpkins |
R 2,50 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-1.57 % |
R 2,54 |
||||
|
Mushrooms |
R 95,93 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-8.02 % |
R 104,29 |
||||
|
Butternuts |
R 4,10 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-5.96 % |
R 4,36 |
||||
|
Green beans |
R 27,54 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
0.92 % |
R 27,29 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Sheep A2/3 |
R 106,75 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
0.07 % |
R 106,67 |
||||
|
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose) |
R 54,31 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
1.17 % |
R 53,68 |
||||
|
Sheep AB2/3 |
R 92,40 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
2.21 % |
R 90,40 |
||||
|
Sheep B2/3 |
R 80,80 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-0.74 % |
R 81,40 |
||||
|
Sheep C2/3 |
R 77,20 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-0.52 % |
R 77,60 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS |
R 261,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 261,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - RWS |
R 278,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 278,00 |
||||
|
Mohair - Ave Non RWS |
R 419,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-05 |
0.00 % |
R 419,00 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Beef A2/3 |
R 65,25 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
2.27 % |
R 63,80 |
||||
|
Weaners (200-250kg) |
R 43,71 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
2.94 % |
R 42,46 |
||||
|
Beef AB2/3 |
R 62,50 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
2.46 % |
R 61,00 |
||||
|
Beef B2/3 |
R 58,50 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
0.86 % |
R 58,00 |
||||
|
Beef C2/3 |
R 57,80 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
1.76 % |
R 56,80 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Kids (under 30kg) |
R 59,47 |
per kg |
2026-06-19 |
-11.80 % |
R 67,43 |
||||
|
Medium (30-40kg) |
R 58,92 |
per kg |
2026-06-19 |
-7.69 % |
R 63,83 |
||||
|
Large (above 40kg) |
R 41,54 |
per kg |
2026-06-19 |
-17.56 % |
R 50,39 |
||||
|
Ewes (Goats) |
R 43,44 |
per kg |
2026-06-19 |
-6.14 % |
R 46,28 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Poultry Frozen |
R 33,02 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-3.42 % |
R 34,19 |
||||
|
Poultry fresh |
R 39,90 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-2.04 % |
R 40,73 |
||||
|
Poultry IQF |
R 36,59 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-2.22 % |
R 37,42 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Pork Porkers |
R 33,42 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
0.88 % |
R 33,13 |
||||
|
Pork Baconers |
R 32,22 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-0.19 % |
R 32,28 |
||||
|
Pork Sausage |
R 26,28 |
per Kg |
2026-06-19 |
-0.42 % |
R 26,39 |
||||
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